In the fall of 2025, the San Francisco Early Music Society—the Festival’s sponsor organization—formed the Berkeley Youth Choir to expand access to music education by empowering young singers to develop their voices, artistry, and sense of community.

Led by Festival artistic director Derek Tam, the Berkeley Youth Choir will present a program of Renaissance and Baroque gems by William Byrd, Dieterich Buxtehude, Johann Sebastian Bach, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Despite their age, many of these singers already bring national and international experience to the stage. Don’t miss this celebration of youthful exuberance and immense talent.